The Danger of Equating Proxies with Student Success in Higher Education

This podcast critiques the use of proxy metrics like course completion rates and GPAs as the primary indicators of student success in higher education.

Main Theme: The current funding models in higher education, which rely heavily on proxy metrics, are detrimental to the true purpose of education and fail to prepare students for success in the real world.

Key Arguments:

• Proxies Misrepresent Learning: Metrics like GPAs and diplomas do not accurately reflect the depth and quality of a student's learning. "A student may attend classes regularly, complete all assignments, and earn a degree without acquiring critical skills or competencies." This leads to a system that prioritizes superficial achievements over genuine understanding and skill development.
• Misaligned Incentives Undermine True Success: Tying funding to proxy metrics encourages institutions to prioritize metrics over meaningful learning experiences. "When funding is tied to these proxies, institutions face immense pressure to maximize these metrics rather than ensuring students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success beyond the classroom." This can result in grade inflation, lowered academic rigor, and a focus on pushing students through the system rather than equipping them for real-world challenges.
• The Cost of Bypassing Skill and Competency Attainment: The excerpt argues that employers and society value individuals who can apply their knowledge and skills, not just those who possess degrees. "The workforce and society do not reward students for diplomas, GPAs, or attendance records. They reward individuals for their ability to apply what they have learned to solve problems, innovate, and contribute meaningfully." The current funding model perpetuates a disconnect between the skills graduates possess and those required by the workforce.
• Student Learning as the True Measure of Success: The true measure of student success lies in their ability to demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to adapt and thrive in their chosen fields and in society. "True student success is not about moving through the system quickly or collecting credentials; it is about demonstrating the skills and competencies needed to adapt and excel."
• Shifting Funding Models Towards Learning Outcomes: The excerpt advocates for a shift in funding models away from proxies and towards assessments of student learning outcomes directly tied to competencies and skills. This would require evidence of mastery through portfolios, performance-based assessments, or real-world projects.

Conclusion:

The excerpt concludes that the current reliance on proxy metrics to define student success is misleading and detrimental to the integrity of higher education. To truly serve students and society, funding models must prioritize skill and competency attainment, ensuring graduates possess the tools to thrive beyond the classroom.